How should Brock Mealer lead the team onto the field for the UCONN opener?

Submitted by The Big House on

After watching some videos of Brock's physical therapy sessions and seeing him work with Barwis, I can see that Brock is making huge progress in his rehabilitation and I would not be surprised at all if he regains his ability to walk.

I know the plan is to have Brock lead our team onto the field for the UCONN opener. And at the rate that he is progressing I have a feeling that he will actually get to *walk* us onto the field (albeit, maybe gingerly). If so, this will no doubt be a truly special moment and get the crowd fired up like never before.

I keep imagining different scenarios on how this will take place and what would produce the most dramatic effect that will no doubt bring joy, tears, goosebumps, and inspiration to everyone watching -- I'm certain that this will happen no matter what he does at the opener as he has already become an inspiration to so many within the U-M community.

Here is my idea to produce maximum dramatic effect:

I'd like to see Brock start out by using his crutches to walk partway up the field. In watching his rehab videos, he gets around OK on his crutches and leg brace. Maybe Barwis can shadow him up the field just in case he needs some assistance. At this point, I can see the fans going crazy, but nothing compared to what happens next. When he gets partway up the field I'd like to see him ditch his crutches, throw them to the ground, and start walking on his own without crutches (but keep his leg brace and have Barwis continue to shadow him, if needed). At this point I want to see the football team make their appearance, sprinting across the field in two lines with Brock in between and have them greet Brock as he arrives at midfield. I haven't thought too much about what would happen next. He'll probably be exhausted at that point, so someone could drive him around in one of those football injury carts as he does a "Victory" lap around the field.

This is how I'm envisioning the start to the UCONN opener. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic, but I firmly believe its possible.

No matter what Brock does, though, it will certainly be a memorable moment.

Blazefire

April 27th, 2010 at 11:52 AM ^

you cheapen it.

He should walk out, elbow locked with his brother and the captains at the front of the line, and, for just one game, instead of running out of the tunnel, the team will follow intently and solidly behind him.

The banner will be held about two feet lower than normal so everyone can touch it without jumping.

MaizeSombrero

April 27th, 2010 at 12:39 PM ^

Helicopters drop a giant pizza crust over the the seating section, brock comes out with a giant sauce cannon and sauces the whole place while the team launches cheese and toppings across the masses. Then the sun reflects off the luxury boxes to cook it and the masses get fed. For free.

How's that for PIZZA?

mtzlblk

April 27th, 2010 at 1:44 PM ^

the only thing I would add would be some crowd participation in that the stadium could honor those passed with a moment of silence prior to leaving the tunnel, then respect him with applause until he gets to the banner and then go crazy as he goes through.

ironman4579

April 27th, 2010 at 12:07 PM ^

Funny, I was just thinking about this last night as well. Whatever happens, it will be a wonderful moment. That said, my thought was Brock leading the way slowly with his brother at his side. The rest of the team follows out walking behind him, arm in arm (or hand in hand), in lines of say, five-seven guys. The banner is lowered so everyone can touch it. I think the solemnity of the entire team walking, rather than running, onto the field, with Brock and Elliot leading the way, would just be amazing.

Njia

April 27th, 2010 at 12:07 PM ^

About who composes the soundtrack? I think the Main Title belongs to Kenny Loggins, but the Love Theme has to be a duet, possibly between Lady Gaga and George Michael.

Njia

April 27th, 2010 at 12:21 PM ^

I was channeling those really bad soundtrack duets from the '80s. I wracked my brain trying to come up with a ridiculous combo like they did back then. LG and GM seemed to fit the bill.